The rural areas of Guatemala contrast sharply with those in large cities, especially with respect to medical care. Volunteers get hands on experience working in small local clinics for the poor and/or working with local doctors and nurses on medical programs providing check-ups and basic medical care in poor communities and at orphanages.

Our health programs are some of the highest impact opportunities we offer, both in terms of what the volunteer provides to the local community as well as the field experience the volunteer gains from the experience.

It is important that healthcare volunteers have realistic expectations with regard to the activities that they will get involved in (see below). Medical students should understand that independence in medical projects will always be determined by: - level of training and demonstrated expertise - Spanish level - age - personality and ability to take initiative - duration of program. Please also note that all healthcare volunteers must bring evidence of their level of education, their white coat and their stethoscope.

Information for Pre-med students, 1st year or 2nd year medical or nursing students

Volunteers may also work in clinics for mentally and physically disabled children, assisting with Activities such as taking the kids to the park or farm, organizing art and crafts workshops and providing individual attention, and also assisting with Mealtimes, such as feeding during mealtimes and helping with tooth brushing

Information for 3rd year or 4th year medical and nursing students and medical professionals

Volunteers may work in clinics or hospitals for low-income facilities in such areas as cleaning wounds and giving injections and sutures. They may also assist in the consulting rooms and specialized departments, in areas such as assisting doctors taking physicals and histories, or giving vaccinations, taking records, drawing blood samples during Medical campaigns.

Volunteers may also work in clinics for mentally and physically disabled children assisting with activities such as taking the kids to the park or farm, organizing art and crafts workshops and providing love and attention. They may also assist during mealtimes with feeding, and also in their daily routines with tasks such as tooth brushing. Physiotherapy is also available on this program, providing basic assistance with physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs.

Additional opportunities on this Medical program include working with disabled children, volunteering in a nursing home and working in a school for deaf/disabled children.

Please note that a surcharge of USD 65 per week will be included in the program fee quoted to you upon application in order to cover the additional costs involved in the running this program.